"There was a hint of wind coming over the top of the stone walls and through the barbed-wire sky on the day Alexander Stowe was to be Purged."

- First sentence

"Fear and a suspicion of strangers is, I'm afraid, a characteristic of many humans."

- Mr. Today

"Fighting against Quill's bigotry, which says brains and brawn are better, or more important, than creativity."

- Mr. Today

"Survival depended on shrewdness and good judgment as well as skill."

- Alex

This is a stupendous fantasy, dystopian story that young people will love. Lisa McMann does a first-class job of world building and character development. Alex and his twin brother (Aaron) live in Quill. Every year Quill goes through a "Purge" where all 13-year olds are divided into three categories: Wanted, Necessary, and UnWanted. Any kids that show creative tendencies are labeled UnWanted and destined to be put to death. The Wanteds go to the military academy and the Necessaries move on to menial jobs that keep the city going. But, the UnWanteds are traveling towards a different destination....

I was captivated by this story and as soon as I finished book one, I immediately ordered book two and started reading. The cover claims this is, "the Hunger Games meets Harry Potter." I believe this story is amazing in its own right and deserves a chance to fascinate you...